The Complete Master Criminal Series (Illustrated Edition) by Fred M. White

Author:Fred M. White [White, Fred M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9788027222490
Publisher: Musaicum Books
Published: 2017-10-08T00:00:00+00:00

Gryde smiled to himself as he passed poster after poster, each surrounded by a gaping crowd. He was on his way to the Place de l’Europe, which, as most people are aware, is close to the Bourse, and a quarter where the brokers and underwriters most do congregate. Here Gryde presently entered an office, and was shown in to the head of the firm.

“I am Chevalier Lorraine,” Gryde said, simply.

Monsieur Morence greeted his visitor cordially.

“O yes,” he said, “I got your letter. As an underwriter, I am prepared to take up anything. You wish to insure something, I understand.”

“I do,” Gryde responded. “I am desirous of insuring the life of President Granville.”

“Surely a most singular request.”

“Not at all, M’sieur Morence. The head of the State has been frequently insured in England. Take the Diamond Jubilee, for instance. I have a great scheme on at present, what, if anything happened to the President, could ruin me. If you do not care to undertake the business, I can get it done in England.”

“O, I will undertake it, of course. After all, it is legitimate trade. The premium in such cases is six per cent. In what amount would you—”

“Three million francs.”

“The Chevalier must assuredly be joking!”

“The Chevalier is doing nothing of the kind,” Gryde responded drily. “I understand in big risks like this you gentlemen insure one another.”

“You are going to run an exhibition of your own,” Morence suggested, smilingly.

“You have guessed it exactly,” said Gryde. “Like most people, you have seen and shared in the excitement created by those Eros posters. Let me tell you that I am responsible for them, and that Eros will be the most extraordinary and unique entertainment ever seen. I should not wonder if it dwarfed the Exhibition entirely. Millions of people will witness that amazing spectacle. To prepare it has cost me a fortune. To-day I have taken the Imperial Theatre for three months. A fortune is in my grasp, but if anything happens to the President I am a ruined man. Lutetia would be a city of mourning for months, you understand.”

Morence nodded thoughtfully. Gryde’s position was perfectly logical.

“I will undertake the business,” he said, “and if you will call later in the day the contract will be ready. It is, of course, a cash transaction.”

“Naturally,” Gryde said curtly, “and if misfortune comes my money must be paid on the nail. By the time I have given you a cheque for the premium I shall have barely enough to last till Eros bursts upon a startled world.”

The man of money hastened to reassure Gryde on this point. Later in the day the big cheque was paid over and the policy taken up.

* * * * *

It was nearly midnight; the President had had a long trying day but he had not yet retired, he being the only person up in the house. A cigarette half-smoked had burnt out between his fingers; he pulled the long grey moustache as he restlessly paced the room. The usually placid features were given over to anxiety and care.

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